FROM YOUR TOURISM DIRECTOR
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Dear Friends and Members,
March is here, bringing some of the most beautiful weather of the year! With sunny skies, gentle breezes, and just the right touch of warmth, it's the perfect time to get outside and explore all that the Sebastian River Area has to offer. Whether you’re browsing local shops, enjoying fresh seafood by the water, or soaking in the natural beauty of our parks and preserves, this season invites you to embrace everything our community has to offer.
As spring approaches, we encourage you to support local businesses and artisans who make our area unique. From charming boutiques to vibrant markets, there’s no shortage of ways to shop local and find something special while investing in the heart of our community.
This month our spotlight is on the Pelican Island Audubon Society. The Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge (PINWR) was established in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt thanks to local resident Paul Kroegel. It is located in the Indian River Lagoon, the most biologically diverse estuary in the United States. The waters and wetlands of PINWR form a complex ecological system supporting hundreds of species of birds, fish, plants, and mammals. They invite you to join them the weekend of March 14-16, 2025 to celebrate the 122nd anniversary of Pelican Island as the first National Wildlife Refuge.
Stay tuned as we continue celebrating the people, places, and experiences that make the Sebastian River Area an unforgettable destination. Be sure to sign up for the SRACC Golf Tournament: Run For The Roses, on May 3rd, before time runs out!
Thank you for your continued support—we can’t wait to see you out and about this season!
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Gratefully yours,
Nicholas Sanzone
Tourism Director
Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce
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Tourism Partners
Tourism partners don't forget
to stop by our office and pick up a box or two for your business.
If you want to see yourself in this publication email us at...
Tourism@sebastianchamber.com
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TOURISM PARTNER SPOTLIGHT | |
The Pelican Island
Audubon Society
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Pelican Island Audubon Society – Protecting Wildlife, Educating the Community, and Honoring a Legacy
Nestled within Florida’s rich ecological landscape, the Pelican Island Audubon Society stands as a beacon for wildlife conservation and environmental education.
Aligned with the goals of the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, the nation's very first wildlife refuge, the mission of the Pelican Island Audubon Society is simple yet profound: to protect animals, plants, and the lands they call home. This mission echoes the origins of the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, established on March 14, 1903, by President Theodore Roosevelt. It began as a safe haven for birds on a modest five-acre rookery island and has since grown to over 5,000 acres of preserved coastline, islands, and hiking trails.
The refuge's story is steeped in history. Paul Kroegel, hired by the Audubon Society for $1 a month, became the nation's first wildlife refuge warden. His statue still stands sentinel over the Indian River Lagoon, honoring his dedication. Though erosion has claimed two acres of the original rookery, the importance of this ecosystem remains clear—it supports diverse wildlife, including the once-thriving brown pelican population, which has declined from 10,000 birds to around 200 nesting pairs today.
Since its founding in 1964, the Pelican Island Audubon Society has been a tireless advocate for preserving these vital habitats. From combating invasive species like Brazilian pepper, carrotwood, rosary pea, and air potato to ensuring protected areas remain undeveloped, the society strives to maintain this slice of paradise for future generations.
Today, the society leads numerous conservation initiatives aimed at restoring and enriching local ecosystems. A flagship program, Trees for Life – Plants for Birds, was the vision of Dr. Richard Baker, who dreamed of planting 100,000 native trees throughout the community. To date, 28,000 trees have been planted, providing essential habitats for birds and pollinators. Community members can pick up free native trees during local Earth Day events or visit the Pelican Island Audubon Society’s nursery at 195 9th Street SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962.
This year, the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge will celebrate its 122nd anniversary with a three-day event from March 14th to 16th. Festivities will include interactive tours, nature walks, tram rides, and even a special appearance by "Theodore Roosevelt" himself, delivering a fireside chat at the Heritage Center. The celebration is not only a tribute to the refuge’s history but also an important fundraiser supporting ongoing conservation efforts.
The Audubon thrives on collaboration, working with over 39 community partners—including local businesses, the Sebastian Chamber of Commerce, and Indian River County—to further its mission. Future goals include expanding educational outreach to Fellsmere, increasing summer camp offerings, and developing programs tailored for children with special needs.
Whether you’re a lifelong birdwatcher or simply someone who enjoys the outdoors, the Pelican Island Audubon Society invites you to be part of their ongoing tradition of conservation. With free, family-friendly events and countless volunteer opportunities, there’s always a way to get involved.
Visit them online or stop by their offices to learn more about their programs, events, and how you can help protect the wildlife and natural beauty of our community.
Visit https://pelicanislandaudubon.org/ to join, support, or donate today.
Website Link
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CONCERTS IN THE PARK 2025 | |
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We had a fantastic concert with St. Johns Wood on February 21st with ~650 people attending!
Thank you to everyone who came out and enjoyed and evening of "British Invasion" music with us. Be sure to attend the next concerts in March and remember to bring your favorite chair and your favorite friends to enjoy these FREE Concerts in the Park. Our thanks go out to you the community, our members, and our sponsors!
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS | |
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This month we are highlighting our Mural Trail Committee.
The committee is looking for new members. Do you like art and are you a member of the chamber? you could be part of this committee and make the Sebastian River Area more beautiful!
Mission Statement: It is the mission of the Sebastian River Area Public Murals Program to showcase the charm of our Sebastian River Area rich in history and modeled to promote tourism, community interactivity, and increased local business awareness.
Our Mural Trail
Take a virtual tour with us, click the link below to take the tour.
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e037156484ba48a9a325865ad8c21a08
To join the Mural Trail Committee please email tourism@sebastianchamber.com
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McKEE BOTANICAL GARDEN PRESENTS "SEAN KENNEY'S NATURE POP!"
Date and TimeLocation
January - May, 2025
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST
Location
McKee Botanical Garden
350 US Hwy 1, Vero Beach
Event Link
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Chamber Special Event: Astrology & Feng Shui Brown Bag Lunch
Date and Time
Thursday Mar 6, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST
Location:
Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce
700 Main Street
Sebastian, FL
Fees/Admission
Fee: $15 Member or Non-Member
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FELLSMERE DAY 2025 - Celebrating 113 Years!
Date and Time
Saturday Mar 1, 2025
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST
Location
FELLSMERE DAY!
Join us for a day of celebration, music and a parade as we celebrate Fellsmere's 113th birthday
For more information:
www.cityoffellsmere.org/bc-beaut or
772-646-6301
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Night Sounds
Glory Days will be preforming at Sebastian Inlet State Park!
Where: Sebastian Inlet State Park
14251 N A1aVero Beach FL 32963
When: Saturday, March 8, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm EST
Concert is free - Regular park admission fees apply. The Friends of Sebastian Inlet State Park ask for donations to keep this great event going!
FREE
Website: Text Link
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Pelican Island 122nd Anniversary Celebration
March 14-16, 2025.
Celebrate the 122nd anniversary of Pelican Island as the first National Wildlife Refuge. The celebration will once again be new and different from the wildlife festivals we’ve hosted in years past in Sebastian. Joe Wiegand, aka President Theodore Roosevelt, will be joining us, bringing the history of Pelican Island, our nation’s first National Wildlife Refuge, to life. Events are planned at various locations and will feature a wildlife display and other activities at the entrance to the Refuge’s Centennial Trail.
For location, and more information about the Pelican Island NWR, visit their website here.
Fees/Admission: FREE
Website: Text Link
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RIVER DAYS 2025
March 14-16, 2025
River Days is an annual 3-day celebration held in the historic city of Sebastian, Florida! This weekend long festival, brought to you by the Rotary Club of Sebastian and the City of Sebastian, will raise funds to support youth sports and organizations throughout North Indian River County.
Fees/Admission: FREE
Website: Link
Schedule: Link
Sponsorship: Link
Contact Email: Sebastianrotary1983@gmail.com
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RIVER DAYS
Car show
March 16, 2025.
GOODIE BAGS FOR FIRST 50 REGISTERED, DASH PLATES FOR ALL
$15 REGISTRATION FEE, PLEASE REGISTER EARLY SO WE CAN MAKE PROPER PLANS
WE WILL ACCEPT SAME DAY DRIVE INS, ARRIVAL START 8:00AM,
NO ENTRIES AFTER 10AM, AWARD PRESENTATION 1:30PM
CONTACT MICHAEL NATALE
OFFICE 772-664-0525
CELL 954-292-1847
EMAIL MNWWPRINT@GMAIL.COM
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ST. BALDRICK'S FOUNDATION | IRC BRAVE THE SAVE 2025
Date and Time
Saturday Mar 29, 2025
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM EDT
Location
ST. BALDRICKS FOUNDATION | BRAVE THE SHAVE
CONQUER KIDS' CANCER
CAPT HIRAMS RESORT
1606 INDIAN RIVER DR., SEBASTIAN
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MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
& PHOTO REQUEST
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Boost Your Business in 2025 with the Chamber's Instagram Spotlights!
Take advantage of an exciting marketing opportunity to promote your business and connect with the community on social media! As consumer trends and digital platforms continue to evolve, Instagram has become a powerful tool for growth and visibility. The Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce invites our members to share photos showcasing your business—whether it’s products, services, team moments, or behind-the-scenes highlights.
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We’ll feature your photos on the Chamber’s Instagram page throughout 2025, helping you reach new audiences, stay ahead of trends, and expand your brand presence. This is your chance to align with shifting consumer preferences and shine in front of our growing online community.
Don’t miss out—send us your photos today and let’s tell your story together! 📸✨ #SupportLocal #ChamberSpotlight #2025BusinessGrowth
Email Tourism@sebastianchamber.com
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SAVE THE DATE FOR
FUTURE EVENTS
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SAVE THE DATE
Pelican Cup Golf Tournament
May 3, 2025
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Vero Beach Film Festival
April 10 – 13, 2025
Pairing independent filmmakers and audiences, “Where The Tropics Begin,” along Florida’s eastern coast.
Where Cinema Meets Paradise.
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The Comedy Zone, comedy club in Vero Beach - Riverside Theatre | | | |
Singin’ In The Rain
Based on the classic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film, by special arrangement with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Inc.
The "Greatest Movie Musical of All Time" is faithfully and lovingly adapted by Broadway legends, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, from their original award-winning screenplay. Filled with every memorable moment from the film and a downpour of unforgettable songs, Singin' in the Rain is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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BACKSTAGE TOURS
SEE EVERYTHING BEHIND THE RED CURTAIN.
Get an entertaining, story-filled tour backstage and see the set designs and props up close. Meet some of the talented people that make it all happen. Learn more about how the shows are created and brought to life on stage. The tours last roughly one and a half hours. The cost is $5 per person / Free for Members ($500 or more donors).
On select Fridays throughout the year, choose 10am or 2pm. Tour fee is $5.
Email us or Call for more info 772-231-6990. Tickets on sale now below.
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Comedy in December
No Comedy Zone January-March: Shows Return April 25 & 26
Link
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GAME NIGHT
Every Other Wednesday
6 PM - 8 PM
920 US Hwy 1, Sebastian
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Every Tuesday and Thursday
10 AM - 3 PM
7500 US1, Vero Beach
Every Wednesday
12 PM - 3 PM
Location: Sebastian Elks Lodge #2714
731 S. Fleming St. Sebastian
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KARAOKE
Every Thursday
6 PM - 10 PM
1109 Indian River Drive, Sebastian
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LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
1405 Indian River Drive, Sebastian
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DJ CUE & BROOKLYN BAD BOY
Every 1st Saturday
6 PM - 9 PM
1550 Indian River Drive, Sebastian
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With so much to do throughout our community, be sure to stay informed with all the events!
Calendar Link
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Florida’s Premiere Destination
The Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway promotes an environment where travelers are surrounded by a unique and diverse habitat with special places and breathtaking scenery that inspires a sense of calmness and creates unforgettable memories.
Plan Your Trip
Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway Interactive Map
https://www.indianriverlagoonbyway.com/
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Discover Simple Pleasures and Authentic Treasures
with our Destination Videos
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Explore how Marketing Partnerships with the State’s Official Tourism Marketing Corporation can shine a light on your business, grow the State’s tourism economy, and help your business reach so many of the visitors that utilize VISITFLORIDA.com as a resource for travel planning.
Visit Florida Link
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CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION
Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce & Pelican Porch Visitor's Center
700 Main Street, Sebastian, FL 32958
(772) 589-5969 | cthibault@SebastianChamber.com | www.SebastianChamber.com
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